Junior Younan is ready for his highly anticipated return to the ring on April 17, as he features on the star studded card at Atlanta's Mercedes Benz Superdome.

The pay-per-view main event will feature a showdown between Youtube star Jake Paul and MMA veteran Ben Askren.

Younan, who is trained by father Sherif, is excited to get his career back on track since having to suffer a hiatus from the ring due to circumstances out of his control. The New Yorker continued training despite this with the eventuality of a ring return. 

Younan opened up about his unplanned hiatus.

“It wasn’t good spending so much time out of the ring. It’s obviously not what I needed at this point in my career, however, I’m more determined than ever to make up for lost time when I get back in the ring," Younan said.

“I’ve maintained my focus when I haven’t had a date. I’m always in the gym with my father Sherif Younan and I always get great work with the likes of Marcus Browne in Staten Island, so I’ve always had to stay in shape and stay ready. We work hard in the gym so if you’re not in shape, you get found out quickly.

“I am looking at the time out as a time I have taken to improve. I am a much better fighter now than I was in my last fight, and I haven’t wasted this time, I have made valuable use of my time away from the ring. I have gained a lot of experience being in camps with the likes of Paulie Malignaggi, and that is vital to me achieving great things in the future.”

‘Sugar Boy’ return date comes on a card that features Regis Prograis’ clash with Ivan Redkach amongst other, interesting contests.

Younan discussed camp in preparation for his long awaited ring return.

The Brooklyn native said, “I’ve got to thank my father, Peter Kahn, Dave Paladino and Perfecting Athletes for getting me ready and getting me this great opportunity to box on such a big card in an amazing venue. I’m very blessed to be given this opportunity and I’m really excited for my return.

“I want to get back to fighting, get back winning and then move on to titles when the time comes. This is just the start of the journey back and my career redemption. I’m very confident that I will show very little ring rust, and if I have the ability to stay active, I can progress quickly back to titles. 

“There’s no doubt in my mind that I can win titles at super middleweight in the future. It’s a stacked division so I’m sure that an opportunity will come along to fight for the world title at some point. All I can say is when that time comes, I’ll be more than ready.”